Apply now for the MLH Top 50 Class of 2026!
Applications and nominations are now open for the 2026 MLH Top 50!
Every MLH Top 50 hacker fills out an application which is carefully reviewed by the MLH team. The 50 selected are able to effectively communicate the ways in which they impacted the hacker community, the innovative work they’ve made, how they have inspired other hackers, and why their story is unique.
You can apply or nominate a friend to be a part of the MLH Top 50 for 2026!
And check out the profiles below to learn more about our past winners.
Ruchi Kumari, 22
Ruchi Kumari is a highly extroverted engineer from a small town in Bihar who overcame a lack of resources to become a prominent figure in the hackathon community as a participant, mentor, and organizer. Driven by a passion for collaboration and solving real-world problems rather than just winning, she has made a significant impact by organizing global events like Opportunity Hacks 2024, which connected hackers with NGOs. Inspired by her own mentor, Ruchi is dedicated to paying it forward, having guided over 500 students, particularly young women, to foster an inclusive tech space where everyone feels supported. Her influence extends beyond hackathons through a tech newsletter for over 3,000 women and teaching underprivileged children, all fueled by her core mission to make a positive impact, no matter the scale, and build a community where everyone can belong and thrive.
Who are these hackers?
These hackers are people who have stood out from the crowd and done something exceptional within the hacker community. Whether they were creating an event to bring tech education to their area, working to make the tech world more inclusive, or programming a project with a positive impact on society, they have all inspired us. Like you, they are students or recent graduates who are using their knowledge to make the world a better place.